Women's Issues Counselling in Belfast

Catherine Sanderson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Belfast BT2
Hello, I’m Catherine, a BACP-registered psychotherapist with an MSc, & also awarded Psychotherapist of the Year 2025, by Prestige Awards. I work with adults experiencing the effects of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, and patterns that no longer serve them. I integrate clinical training with lived experience to offer compassionate, relational therapy. My work supports people to process trauma, rebuild self-worth, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward greater emotional stability, self-understanding, and lasting change. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore whatever has brought you to therapy.
Hello, I’m Catherine, a BACP-registered psychotherapist with an MSc, & also awarded Psychotherapist of the Year 2025, by Prestige Awards. I work with adults experiencing the effects of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, and patterns that no longer serve them. I integrate clinical training with lived experience to offer compassionate, relational therapy. My work supports people to process trauma, rebuild self-worth, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward greater emotional stability, self-understanding, and lasting change. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore whatever has brought you to therapy.
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Michele Jordan
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT9
I am an integrated therapist with over 30 years experience specialising in women's issues, addiction and sexual heath.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wondering how much longer you can keep carrying everything on your own. Perhaps anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, sexual wellbeing, neurodiversity, substance use, or life changes have left you feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to have it all figured out. I offer a calm, accepting space where you can slow down, feel truly heard, and explore your experiences at your own pace. My hope is that, together, we can help you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with your strengths, and move towards the life you want.
I am an integrated therapist with over 30 years experience specialising in women's issues, addiction and sexual heath.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wondering how much longer you can keep carrying everything on your own. Perhaps anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, sexual wellbeing, neurodiversity, substance use, or life changes have left you feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to have it all figured out. I offer a calm, accepting space where you can slow down, feel truly heard, and explore your experiences at your own pace. My hope is that, together, we can help you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with your strengths, and move towards the life you want.
028 6833 0226 View 028 6833 0226
Kristi McCaul
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT5
“Life is a balance between holding on and letting go” - Rumi. Living in a chaotic world and facing constant life changes can easily lead to anxiety, depression and feeling “lost”. In my experience, these transitions are often deeply challenging because they echo unresolved patterns from our childhood, making it difficult to maintain a sense of balance. I provide a supportive space to help you navigate these shifts and rediscover your true identity. Together, we will work to help you create a healthy emotional, mental and physical balance; not to aim for perfection, but to build a life you don’t need to take a holiday from.
“Life is a balance between holding on and letting go” - Rumi. Living in a chaotic world and facing constant life changes can easily lead to anxiety, depression and feeling “lost”. In my experience, these transitions are often deeply challenging because they echo unresolved patterns from our childhood, making it difficult to maintain a sense of balance. I provide a supportive space to help you navigate these shifts and rediscover your true identity. Together, we will work to help you create a healthy emotional, mental and physical balance; not to aim for perfection, but to build a life you don’t need to take a holiday from.
028 9057 1246 View 028 9057 1246
Sara Tipping
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT16
I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or disconnected from themselves. Many of my clients come to therapy struggling with low self-esteem, stress, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief, or the pressure of trying to be everything for everyone. Together, we create a safe, non-judgemental space to explore your experiences, better understand yourself, and help you move towards a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and authentic.
I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or disconnected from themselves. Many of my clients come to therapy struggling with low self-esteem, stress, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief, or the pressure of trying to be everything for everyone. Together, we create a safe, non-judgemental space to explore your experiences, better understand yourself, and help you move towards a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and authentic.
028 9694 3413 View 028 9694 3413
Lea Braithwaite
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT7
People usually come to therapy because they are in distress, grieving or dissatisfied with certain aspects of their lives and want to address this. Facing change or loss and allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be daunting. I am committed to supporting you through your journey, providing safety, warmth, empathy and consistent reliable support.
People usually come to therapy because they are in distress, grieving or dissatisfied with certain aspects of their lives and want to address this. Facing change or loss and allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be daunting. I am committed to supporting you through your journey, providing safety, warmth, empathy and consistent reliable support.
028 9694 3528 View 028 9694 3528
Faith Holmes
Psychotherapist, COSRT Reg.
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you struggling with intimacy, sexual confidence, or feeling disconnected from your partner or your own body? Difficulties with sex and relationships are incredibly common, but many people feel too ashamed or anxious to talk about them. This can be from a combination of how sex was talked about in your household, your sex education, early sexual experiences and unpleasant sexual experiences. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore what’s going on and begin to move forward.
Are you struggling with intimacy, sexual confidence, or feeling disconnected from your partner or your own body? Difficulties with sex and relationships are incredibly common, but many people feel too ashamed or anxious to talk about them. This can be from a combination of how sex was talked about in your household, your sex education, early sexual experiences and unpleasant sexual experiences. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore what’s going on and begin to move forward.
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Dr Stacey Baraniuk
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Belfast BT7
You may be struggling with anxiety that has arisen out of the uncertain situation we find ourselves in right now or you may be facing an issue that has affected you for a long time and you've not been able to talk to anyone about it. You may feel that others do not understand or you feel like a burden to family and friends. You want to be able to explore your thoughts and feelings in a space which feels safe, non-judgmental and reflective so you can move forward with your life and make lasting change. I'm here to help.
You may be struggling with anxiety that has arisen out of the uncertain situation we find ourselves in right now or you may be facing an issue that has affected you for a long time and you've not been able to talk to anyone about it. You may feel that others do not understand or you feel like a burden to family and friends. You want to be able to explore your thoughts and feelings in a space which feels safe, non-judgmental and reflective so you can move forward with your life and make lasting change. I'm here to help.
028 9590 8693 View 028 9590 8693
Ceara Clarke
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT9
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist and I work collaboratively with my clients, helping them to understand their difficulties, make sense of their experiences, develop ways of coping and live with more ease. My work is informed by a range of psychological theories and models, choosing the most helpful approach to suit the individual e.g. Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Family Therapy/Systemic informed work.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist and I work collaboratively with my clients, helping them to understand their difficulties, make sense of their experiences, develop ways of coping and live with more ease. My work is informed by a range of psychological theories and models, choosing the most helpful approach to suit the individual e.g. Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Family Therapy/Systemic informed work.
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Alanna Moore
Counsellor, MSc, GMBPsS
Online Only
I work with adults experiencing grief and loss, identity and life transitions, relationship difficulties, low mood, anxiety, complex trauma and the long shadow of early experiences. My research focuses on understanding what self-care looks like for adults whose early family life was marked by difficulty, emotional distance or growing up before their time. Before retraining, I spent 17 years in education, the last 4 of which were in specialist and clinical settings working at the intersection of education and mental health. This has given me a deep understanding of how adversity, identity and relationships shape our inner lives.
I work with adults experiencing grief and loss, identity and life transitions, relationship difficulties, low mood, anxiety, complex trauma and the long shadow of early experiences. My research focuses on understanding what self-care looks like for adults whose early family life was marked by difficulty, emotional distance or growing up before their time. Before retraining, I spent 17 years in education, the last 4 of which were in specialist and clinical settings working at the intersection of education and mental health. This has given me a deep understanding of how adversity, identity and relationships shape our inner lives.
028 2744 1392 View 028 2744 1392
Anne Kee
Counsellor, MBACP
Belfast BT9
As an integrative counsellor, I offer a flexible approach, tailoring my techniques and modalities to suit your unique needs. My experience spans both private and public sectors, with a recent focus in healthcare settings where I’ve supported individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments. I have worked extensively in areas such as bereavement support, anxiety, depression, and the everyday challenges of life. I understand how it feels to be stuck and the impact of downward spirals in mood and addictive tendencies. Additionally, my background as a midwife and nurse enriches my practice, bringing added understanding.
As an integrative counsellor, I offer a flexible approach, tailoring my techniques and modalities to suit your unique needs. My experience spans both private and public sectors, with a recent focus in healthcare settings where I’ve supported individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments. I have worked extensively in areas such as bereavement support, anxiety, depression, and the everyday challenges of life. I understand how it feels to be stuck and the impact of downward spirals in mood and addictive tendencies. Additionally, my background as a midwife and nurse enriches my practice, bringing added understanding.
028 9124 2022 View 028 9124 2022
Rachel Blythe
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Belfast BT5
When you're truly heard and accepted - that's when real change starts to happen. I am a BACP-accredited counsellor working online or over the phone, working with a diverse range of clients and adapting the counselling to your specific needs. I offer a safe, warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space for clients of all backgrounds. Whether you're struggling with something specific or just feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to listen and walk alongside you at your own pace. I believe that with the right support, everyone can find a better way forward.
When you're truly heard and accepted - that's when real change starts to happen. I am a BACP-accredited counsellor working online or over the phone, working with a diverse range of clients and adapting the counselling to your specific needs. I offer a safe, warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space for clients of all backgrounds. Whether you're struggling with something specific or just feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to listen and walk alongside you at your own pace. I believe that with the right support, everyone can find a better way forward.
07516 687155 View 07516 687155
Elaine Close
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT4
Life can be tough sometimes. But I fully believe that each and every one of us is equipped to overcome adversity and challenges, and I am passionate about helping my clients discover and develop their innate tools to bring about healing and growth.
Life can be tough sometimes. But I fully believe that each and every one of us is equipped to overcome adversity and challenges, and I am passionate about helping my clients discover and develop their innate tools to bring about healing and growth.
028 9124 1741 View 028 9124 1741
Lily McCavana
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Belfast BT5
Hello and welcome to my page. I am a person-centred psychotherapist/counsellor working with issues like pregnancy, birth and postpartum including postnatal depression and birth trauma. I support women through this transitional period, a transition that is often confronting and often may not look and feel how you expected. I can support fathers and non birthing parents experiencing birth trauma and postnatal depression. I also work with women and LGBTQ+ people with issues including anxiety, depression, self esteem and relationship difficulties.
Hello and welcome to my page. I am a person-centred psychotherapist/counsellor working with issues like pregnancy, birth and postpartum including postnatal depression and birth trauma. I support women through this transitional period, a transition that is often confronting and often may not look and feel how you expected. I can support fathers and non birthing parents experiencing birth trauma and postnatal depression. I also work with women and LGBTQ+ people with issues including anxiety, depression, self esteem and relationship difficulties.
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SM Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Belfast BT11
Everyone can find it difficult to cope at times, unresolved issues past or present can create stress, anxiety, depression....and may affect your day to day life. Counselling can help you understand these issues more clearly, giving you the space to untangle the confusing, painful feelings and thoughts that may be causing you distress. It is important to find someone you feel comfortable with and who you can trust.
Everyone can find it difficult to cope at times, unresolved issues past or present can create stress, anxiety, depression....and may affect your day to day life. Counselling can help you understand these issues more clearly, giving you the space to untangle the confusing, painful feelings and thoughts that may be causing you distress. It is important to find someone you feel comfortable with and who you can trust.
01571 590035 View 01571 590035
LD Counselling Services
Counsellor, MBACP
Belfast BT7
Mental health and wellbeing will ebb and flow throughout our lifespan from childhood to adulthood. My work includes adults, children (4+) and teenagers, helping to navigate through life’s challenges. I provide a safe, non judgemental, confidential space for you to explore and express your experiences, to understand what you are feeling, to be heard and discover new ways to cope. As well as working across the life span with mood, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, life transitions and trauma based difficulties I specialise in perinatal mental health, parenting, children and young people and bereavement and grief.
Mental health and wellbeing will ebb and flow throughout our lifespan from childhood to adulthood. My work includes adults, children (4+) and teenagers, helping to navigate through life’s challenges. I provide a safe, non judgemental, confidential space for you to explore and express your experiences, to understand what you are feeling, to be heard and discover new ways to cope. As well as working across the life span with mood, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, life transitions and trauma based difficulties I specialise in perinatal mental health, parenting, children and young people and bereavement and grief.
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Hannah Hasson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Online Only
My name is Hannah and I’m a BACP accredited counsellor offering remote support. I am passionate about creating a safe space for people to share and process whatever they may be feeling or struggling with. My aim is to help people take care of their mental health by supporting clients to work through issues that may be affecting their mood and well-being.
My name is Hannah and I’m a BACP accredited counsellor offering remote support. I am passionate about creating a safe space for people to share and process whatever they may be feeling or struggling with. My aim is to help people take care of their mental health by supporting clients to work through issues that may be affecting their mood and well-being.
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Talking Perinatal
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Online Only
Hello, are you adjusting to parenthood. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or experiencing unhelpful or intrusive thoughts? Talking can help, afterall, becoming a parent is a significant life changing event. My name is Elizabeth Johnston, passionate about raising awareness of self care, self compassion, focusing on balancing a regulated nervous system during this time of change. Other/ ongoing: Clinical Supervision for qualified and student counselling therapists (limited spaces) focusing on client, ethics, self and personal development. NEW: Monthly group supervision available (up to 4 therapists) working with perinatal themes
Hello, are you adjusting to parenthood. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or experiencing unhelpful or intrusive thoughts? Talking can help, afterall, becoming a parent is a significant life changing event. My name is Elizabeth Johnston, passionate about raising awareness of self care, self compassion, focusing on balancing a regulated nervous system during this time of change. Other/ ongoing: Clinical Supervision for qualified and student counselling therapists (limited spaces) focusing on client, ethics, self and personal development. NEW: Monthly group supervision available (up to 4 therapists) working with perinatal themes
028 9692 8966 View 028 9692 8966
Milda Vaiciuvenaite
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Belfast BT5
I work with those who feel stuck and overwhelmed.
I work with those who feel stuck and overwhelmed.
028 2544 1078 View 028 2544 1078
Linda White
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you currently experiencing symptoms of low mood and/or anxiety. Come and talk to me and together we will explore these issues and work on ways of managing these current difficulties in a positive way. Having worked in the mental health sector for 13+ years I have experienced how talking therapy can allow clients to explore their issues that they face on a daily basis and enable them to develop coping strategies which provide positive changes moving forward.
Are you currently experiencing symptoms of low mood and/or anxiety. Come and talk to me and together we will explore these issues and work on ways of managing these current difficulties in a positive way. Having worked in the mental health sector for 13+ years I have experienced how talking therapy can allow clients to explore their issues that they face on a daily basis and enable them to develop coping strategies which provide positive changes moving forward.
01571 590043 View 01571 590043
Roberta Richmond
Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Belfast BT4
Hello, my name is Roberta Richmond I am a BACP and COSRT Accredited Counsellor with almost 20 years of experience as a therapist. I am committed to providing therapy in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Many of us have times in our lives when things seem too much, and we feel overwhelmed, with difficulty coping. If you’re reading this, you may be at that point yourself, and thinking about having some counselling. You may have hit a difficult patch in your relationship and are looking for someone to help you and your partner sort things out,
Hello, my name is Roberta Richmond I am a BACP and COSRT Accredited Counsellor with almost 20 years of experience as a therapist. I am committed to providing therapy in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Many of us have times in our lives when things seem too much, and we feel overwhelmed, with difficulty coping. If you’re reading this, you may be at that point yourself, and thinking about having some counselling. You may have hit a difficult patch in your relationship and are looking for someone to help you and your partner sort things out,
028 9692 8099 View 028 9692 8099

See more therapy options for Belfast

Women's Issues Counsellors
How do you encourage a woman to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing therapy as a tool for improving their life. Offering specific examples of how an individual may be suffering, and what effects it has on them, should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to devise a game plan—breaking the process down into parts, such as finding a therapist, making appointments, and looking into insurance coverage.

How can women prepare for therapy?
Women can prepare for therapy by being willing to talk about their past experiences and their private thoughts. Before a session, an individual may want to reflect on how they’ve felt since the last session and what’s happened in their lives. Between sessions, it can be useful to write down notes about their reaction to a given event or how they felt at a particular time.

How long does therapy for women’s issues often last?
As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual and the challenges they face. Therapy types like Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Prolonged exposure therapy (PET), and Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. In some cases, such as for women with eating disorders, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realised.

How can women overcome stigma around specific challenges in order to seek therapy?
Women dealing with domestic abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, and any other number of troubles may feel a stigma around seeking help. It’s important to remember that these issues are not uncommon and there is no shame in getting help for them. Therapy is confidential, and women can talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Seeking therapy can be a courageous and liberating act, and an important step toward healing and recovery.